Separated at Birth?

Located 1568 miles southeast from us is the community of Glasgow, Kentucky. That's not earth-shattering information, but there are a few similarities between our community and theirs that suggest we may be related on some level. Perhaps we're cousins.

Located in south central Kentucky, Glasgow has a population of about 14,000 – that's according to Wikipedia. It is located in Barren County, and like our Glasgow, is the county seat. The stereotypical coal mines of Kentucky are located in the eastern part of the state, while Barren County consists more of rolling hills and farm land. Although it is described as a rural community with farm land, farming is not a notable industry for them. A large part of their economy relies on a local paper manufacturing company. They also maintain a regional campus for Western Kentucky University located 32 miles away in Bowling Green.

Interestingly enough, for recreation, Glasgow is 20 minutes away from the Barren River Lake and Dam. It is managed by the U.S. Corp of Engineers and advertises fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping. In addition to the dam area, the nearby Barren River Lake State Resort Park boasts a resort complete with a restaurant, lodging, horseback riding, and an 18-hole golf course. With 141 miles of shoreline and claiming more than 10,000 volume acres, Barren River Lake is nothing to sneeze at. However, compared to our Ft. Peck Lake with more than 1500 miles of shoreline and a volume of 18,700,000 acres, Barren River Lake may not even deserve a mention.

The community is large enough to accommodate two school districts. Glasgow High School (home of the Scotties) is in the smaller district with 650 students currently enrolled. The Scotties' major rival, Barren County High School is in the larger district. According to the high school's assistant principal, Mike Vaught, GHS is well known for their highly competitive band with several state championships under their kilts. Academically, according to a variety of test scores, they are regularly among the very best high schools in the state.

As a class A school, their athletic program includes a larger variety of sports than ours, but the community is missing a few programs that are well represented here. In addition to their football, basketball, track, cross country, volleyball, softball, and golf programs, GHS also has tennis, baseball, soccer, and swimming as school sports. They have an extracurricular archery program and until recently had lacrosse as well. What's missing? Wrestling and hockey.

Glasgow is probably most known for its Highland Games, which are held each year around Memorial Day weekend. The festivities include a parade, competitions, entertainment, a golf scramble, and music, among other things. This event is a big deal, with Scottish Clans attending from Scotland every year. Compared to these Highland Games, our homecoming festivities may be a little tame. Although, Barren County in Kentucky is a “dry county” which means the sale of alcohol is prohibited or restricted, so maybe not.

Also, located in the City of Glasgow, is the Veterans' Wall of Honor, which commemorates and honors the citizens of Glasgow and Barren County who have served in the armed forces.

In 2007, Barren County was named the "Best Place to Live in Rural America" by Progressive Farmer Magazine. “Not exactly Mayberry, but a clean, slow-paced place to be”, said Vaught.

It may be worth a visit someday to see just how things stack up in comparison to our hometown . . . and maybe root for the Scotties on the gridiron or the diamond.